Microstructure and Properties of Casting Magnesium Alloys Designed to Work in Elevated Temperature

Abstract

Magnesium alloys are widely used in aerospace and automotive industry due to their low density, good mechanical properties, and good castability. Their main disadvantage is low maximum working temperature (about 120°C for Mg-Al alloys). This led to the development of Mg-Al-RE or Mg-RE-Zr alloys, which can work up to 250°C. The chapter will relate to the sand cast and high pressure die cast magnesium alloys. Material for the research consisted of six magnesium casting alloys: AE44, AJ62, WE54, EV31A, and for comparison AZ91 and AM50. The influence of casting and heat treatment parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties will be introduced. The relationship between the initial structure, casting parameters, phase composition, and mechanical properties in magnesium alloys will be presented.